US to help build roads in Malakand

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

Dawn Correspondent
Friday, 26 Mar, 2010


WASHINGTON: US Deputy Secretary of State Jacob J. Lew and Pakistan’s Finance Secretary Salman Siddique on Thursday signed a letter of intent for cooperation in the construction of priority roads in Pakistan to aid in reconstruction efforts in Malakand.

Implementation of the construction project is scheduled to begin following the signature of an Amended Letter of Agreement between the government of the United States and the government of Pakistan and the obligation of funds.

The project to cost $40 million consists of upgrading two key roads: the Peshawar Ring Road and the road from Kanju to Madyan in Swat.

“Both nations seek to prioritise the issues of greatest importance to the Pakistani people: security and economic growth,” said a statement issued after the signing.

“Better roads improve security by enhancing access by law-enforcement officials, lower the cost of marketing farm output, enhance trade and transportation, and generate jobs.”

The projects will be executed through the NWFP government.